United Flight Attendants Secure $741 Million in Retroactive Pay and 31% Wage Increase

United Airlines flight attendants won a landmark deal in May 2026 with the Association of Flight Attendants‑CWA that awarded them $741 million in retroactive compensation, raised their base salary by an average of 31 percent, and introduced dedicated ground pay for time spent at the gate. Prior to the agreement, cabin crew routinely spent hours at the gate—managing luggage, boarding, and de‑boarding—without any remuneration. The new contract formally acknowledges that gate work as paid labor, aligning compensation with the full scope of duties performed. The agreement not only boosts the earnings of thousands of attendants but also sets a precedent for airlines to recognize and compensate all aspects of cabin crew responsibilities.